By E. Perryman 8.8.19
ATTIRE: I have come to realize in my 50 years on this planet that my regular dressing attire is pretty casual unlike like the Italia fashion plate locals.
BOHEMIAN-Bohemian-esque young musicians can be found jamming together in the piazzas. It’s really cool to witness their communal mash up.
CHICAGO-The south side of my Chi-town homeland has far less graffiti than Italy. Holy spray paint, Italian Batman.
DIRT-Somehow, no matter how many times I wash my hands, my hands are always dirty here.
ELIZABETH-I miss my wife Elizabeth very much. I shall include her in the Italy album since she is here in spirit. And this Elizabeth, your truly, has a hard time being a follower. I like to lead.
FACEBOOK-Facebook is the root of much evil HOWEVER, the networking possibilities are a genuine blessing. Through mutual singer friends and professional musician groups, I was able to work Italian arias with accomplished local Lucca coaches on this trip.
GONE-Gone are the days of travelers checks on overseas trips; the ones I clearly recall my Dad purchasing during my childhood. Good riddance I say. Many people also speak English. It feels much less foreign than it used to 30 years ago.
HYDRATE-I can’t seem to drink enough water even after the 5th day here. It’s very dry.
ITALIAN KIDS-They are freaking adorable. Their style and speech patterns make me want to bite them.
JUNKIE JUICE-It’s not good; it’s a bad habit for sure. I don’t smoke. I don’t drink alcohol. I don’t even drink coffee. But I do drink diet soda. At least two a day (40 ounces.) And ice. I like ice. In the fresh soda. Tis my nectar. Its bad. But so good. The 2019 Italia Coke Zero cans are delightfully chilled. I applaud the implementation of this western custom.
KITTENS-There are lots of them inside the walls of these medieval towns; many of whom are chillin’ like a villain in the midst of the active Lucca nightlife.
LIZARDS-Cute little lizards can be easily found crawling on the walls of the city buildings. They are difficult to photo. The critters always seem to sense my overactive iPhone camera because they scamper with a quickness before I can capture their adorable image.
MEZZO MEZZO GULP-Not too much Texas sizing in these parts. No big gulps here. A medium soda is considered large even at the Italian McDonalds. From clothes to drinks to food portions, moderation seems to be the key. Huh, novel concept.
NAPPING-The first few days on this trip were definitely the hardest on energy as we abruptly entered a time zone six hours ahead. Lord, did my aging mortal coil need much more shut eye than I got. I feel more human on day 4.
OPEL-Our rental car is an Opel Insigna. Me mucho likey.
PROTOCOL-Even on vacations (perhaps especially,) I need structure and protocol. Loosey goosey days does not a happy Liz make. I have self administered an “attitude-ectomy” and found some order and structure.
QUEST-The quest for good food is a successful one here. It’s so fresh. It isn’t that expensive. It is so savory. You feel fed but not stuffed. They really get it right here.
ROUNDABOUT-Roundabout traffic patterns have invaded the Tuscan roadways. They are everywhere. You can’t find home without riding these circular arteries. I have been told that those in the circle can complete as many rotations as they want because they always have the right of way. Hmmm.
SIENA-This city is incredible; it has astounding architecture. It is hard to fathom the feet that have trod these ancient avenues.
TATTOOS & TOLLS-Tattoos are everywhere. It seems to be more prevalent here than the US. No simple flower for these folk. Many people are covered with body ink art. Go big or go home. And TOLLS aren’t just for the US turnpikes anymore. Italy roads are pothole free and nice to drive but you will have to play a hefty toll if you want to travel the main highways.
USURY-The gas prices here are unreal. 70 plus US dollars to fill up a Ford Focus. At least they could pump it for you like Jersey does. Jeez.
VERISMO-Italy is all about verismo aka truth. And I love being able to share wonderful pictures of this trip on FB. But don’t let this electronic mirage mislead you. FB pictures should be gently sniffed like fine perfume, no deep inhalation of the perfect life BS. Life happens even on trips. I still have Perryman pita-hood moments as I can have in NJ. I’m still flawed but fun seeking me with my deep insecurities; just in a different, much more aesthetic setting. We are all just bozos on the bus. In this case, there is delicious gelato on that ride.
WALL-The wall around Lucca is da bomb. It is SOOOOOO cool. All roads lead to the wall. I want one. Daddy! Get me one now! Please excuse my inner Veruca. As you were.
XL-There ain’t many folk who have an x on their clothing size tag. Trust me. I’ve been looking for my people; those bread loving material girls. This has not been an easy feat. There are only a smattering of these gals walking the streets of the piazza.
YOUNG-Everyone looks so dagnab young to me now. Well, I guess I can enjoy the wisdom that goes with increasing birthdays eg sensible shoes, fiber, and a good breakfast.
ZERO-I have had ZERO food sensitivity issues since I left the states. Boy I wish good food was less expensive and more available at home.
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